Big Surprises

Chapter 1: Big Surprises

 

"Oh, you're going to look so beautiful, Ari!" My best friend squealed.

 

An anxious groan escaped my newly glossed lips, as Sammy took the liberty of lifting my eye lids, and began a careful stroking on my lashes with a God-awful thick mascara.

 

"Just one more..." She made the finishing touches on my other eye before taking a few steps back and looked me over. Her eyes traveled from the handiwork she'd done to my face, to the thick, heavy curls that took hours to tame, all the way to the shockingly puffed up dress that my father had sent me this morning.

 

I remember staring at the dress as though it would pull me down with its weight. It's not like the girdle wasn't bad enough. It was much too glamorous for my taste, but the simple yellow brought out the blue in my eyes so wonderfully, I couldn't resist trying it out for size.  Quite frankly, I was shocked that my father could even afford it in the first place. Barons and Baronesses of our stature were pretty low in rank, so we weren't expected to be all spoiled and lavish like most of the other royals in the kingdom.

 

Sammy put a hand over her mouth, a silly grin slowly spreading that reached her ears. "Oh, Ari..."

 

"That bad?"

 

She giggled. "Don't be such a pessimist." She swung my chair without warning, making my hair whip across my face, and forced me in front of a mirror.

 

I drew in a sharp breathe, my eyes widening at the stranger before me. The long, ebony-colored hair that was curled to perfection lay softly against the curve of her chest; her face was hard to recognize, and the only thing that actually proved we were the same person was the dark blue eyes that stared right back at me. The blue eyes that resembled that of her mother's.

 

The makeup wasn't as dark or thick as I'd expected, which was just as well since I just wasn't used to wearing any unless it was for a royal occasion that everyone was required to attend to.

 

"I look...I look..." For once, I looked...pretty.

 

"You look beautiful," Sammy exclaimed, as if reading my expression and arguing with my thoughts.

 

"Come on, you don't want to be late for your own birthday party, do you?"

 

"I wouldn't mind," I said, seriously thinking about walking in fashionably late.

 

Sammy pouted. "Aren't you the least bit excited about that big surprise your father is going to present you?"

 

"Honestly? No. Well maybe just a little. Dad's never been one to shop for anything tasteful." The thought brought me back to all the unpleasant memories of birthdays' past.

 

Every year he either got me floor-length gowns that literally covered every inch of my skin, with the colors very close to that of vomit. Sometimees I wonder if he does it on purpose, just to keep the royal bachelors at a distance.

 

Sammy grinned, mimicking my expression. "I don't know," she said somberly. "He seemed pretty anxious this morning."

 

I shrugged. Suddenly a rap sounded on the door, and two maids walked in and curtsied. "Miss Burton," one of them spoke. "The ballroom is ready for you. I suspect your father has a bit of a surprise that he says he will be announcing to the guests." Her face flushed and I narrowed my eyes in suspicion.

 

"Have you heard anything about his plans?" I replied.

 

"He- Um, well it's not my place..." She stuttered, obviously hiding something crucial. I was already dreading this surprise. What is it that everyone in the whole bloody castle seems to know but me?

 

"You look beautiful, miss. I'm sure you'll do well." 

I rested my gaze on the two of them for moments longer, knowing they were trying to stall the conversation.

 

"Alright," I gave in. No point in harrassing them if I  was going to find out soon enough. "I'll be down in a moment. Thank you."

 

They curtsied simultaneously, relieved expressions overtaking their faces, and then left the room in a hurry.

 

Sammy turned to me. "We better go, before we're late to your own party."

 

"Just one thing..." I turned my back to her and sifted through my drawers, revealing a small, red jewelry box. It once belonged to my mother's, and I only ever took it out for special occasions.

 

The box held all sorts of old jewelry- mostly her  rings and pearls. But my favorite was a thin silver chained necklace with a diamond cut to perfection. It was the shape of a rose about the size of my thumb. Wearing it always  reminded me of her, like she was there right beside me.

 

Carefully, I pushed my hair to the side and clasped the chain around my neck. The rose lay coolly over my chest, giving me a sense of ease.

 

"Okay. I'm ready."

 

 *

 

Oh God.

 

Relax, Ari. No reason to be so worked up. It's just a soiree, you can hide in the back of the ballroom as usual. No one will notice.

 

I shook my head in determination. But this wasn't just a soiree, it was my ball! In the kingdom it's traditional for a girl of royal birth to present herself on her 18th birthday as a sort of coming-of-age celebration. All the attention's going to be on you. There's no talking out of this one.

 

Maybe...I can sneak out of the room once the clock strikes ten. Surely no one will notice that the birthday girl's missing by then, right?

 

That's a horrible idea, my conscience argued. Do you know how stupid that just sounded?

 

For a depiction of my own imagination, you sure are mean, I told the voice inside my head. Okay okay shutup, you're talking to yourself, Ari. The herald's already looking at you strange.

 

"Hey, Ari. Hey." I snapped out of my thoughts and released a big puff of air I didn't realize I was holding. "Are you okay?" Sammy asked, concern evident in her features. "You look like you're about to throw up."

 

I shook my head and tried to feign a smile. Hopefully she wouldn't notice just how out of it I felt. "I'm fine."

 

She raised a brow but didn't question me further. I sighed.

 

 

When we reached the double doors, Sammy sent me an encouraging smile. The introduction would be the one part she couldn't stand by my side. Noticing my unease, she gave me a final, one armed hug and promised to be where I would easily spot her, for support. I nodded in thanks.

 

The herald cleared his throat and held out his arm, which I took with the slightest bit of hesitation. At least there were no stairs. Surely I would have fainted, or  tripped before ever reaching the bottom.

 

One of the double doors opened, making me jump slightly in my dress.

 

"Ahh, miss..." I turned to the herald, who was looking down at me with a pained expression. My gaze traveled to his arm and  realized that I was gripping him so tightly my fingers were practically digging through his suit.

 

"Sorry!" I let go, smiling apologetically. Just as I turned to the ballroom, my body froze.

 

Oh God. There had to be at least over a hundred royals here! I searched the crowd quickly. Thankfully, Sammy held true to her promise. She joined my father in the front where he was looking at me with a smile full of chagrin. Nothing suspicious there, I thought.

 

"Ahem." The herald let go of my arm and held my hand above my head. I tiptoed awkwardly, keeping my eyes on my father even though I felt all the heavy gazes on me.

 

"Ladies and gentlemen!" His voice boomed. "I present to you my daughter, Ariana Elouise Burton, eighth baroness of Canterbury."

Author's Note

It may appear cliche, but I really don't care. I've got a ton of twists in store, and I'm writing this story for the pure fun of it. :D Oh, and sorry for putting up the chapter so late. I had a slight drop in confidence, and frankly...I was too lazy to do it xD

Reviews

[LochnezzMonster]

I don't find it "Cliche" actually one of my favorite themes are placed in mideval times. it appeals to me. and I liked how you used the right descriptive words for this time frame. words like: Soriee, baroness. that was really pleasant to read. I enjoyed her describe herself once the makeup was on. Just the thought of her looking pretty and done up was good to read. I'm wondering who Sammy is though. Is she also 18 or maybe older. she carries the air of and 18 year old though. I like her and hope oyu annouce her position later. But it's a good think you left an air of mystery for the readers. Good first chapter I think.